Sealing member, toner bearing device provided with sealing member, and image forming apparatus

Abstract

A drum unit 8 adaptable to an image forming apparatus 500 includes: a photosensitive drum 4 rotatable and configured to carry toner; a cleaning container 15 for rotatably supporting the photosensitive drum 4; and an end seal (300) for sealing a gap between an end of the photosensitive drum (4) in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum (4) and the cleaning container (15). Comprising a friction end seal 300 and a photosensitive drum 4. The fibrous surface layer 401 comprises a fibrous yarn 404 comprising a lubricant to which particles of a solid lubricant are fixed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a sealing member, a toner carrier device provided with the sealing member, and an imaging device. For example, this invention relates to a sealing member used in electrophotographic imaging devices (such as copiers or printers) employing electrophotographic processing, and a toner carrier device provided with said sealing member. Background Technology

[0002] In conventional imaging equipment for electrophotographic processing, toner supply and maintenance are required for various processing components. To facilitate toner supply and maintenance, the photosensitive drum, charging unit, developing unit, cleaning unit, etc., are integrated into a cartridge within the frame. This assembled cartridge, as a processing cartridge that can be detachably installed into the main body (main component) of the imaging equipment, is put into practical use. Depending on the cartridge type, equipment maintenance can be performed by the user, improving operability and enhancing the usability of the imaging equipment. Therefore, this type of cartridge is widely used in imaging equipment. The processing cartridge typically consists of a drum unit including the photosensitive drum and a developing unit for supplying developer to the photosensitive drum.

[0003] The drum unit includes a photosensitive drum, a charging roller for charging the photosensitive drum, a cleaning member for collecting residual toner (residual toner) on the photosensitive drum by wiping toner from the photosensitive drum, and a cleaning container for supporting the photosensitive drum, charging roller, and cleaning member. In order to prevent toner contained in the cleaning container from leaking to the outside, the drum unit employs a structure for sealing the drum unit using multiple sealing members. For example, in the gap between the cleaning container, the photosensitive drum, and the cleaning member, a cleaning-side end portion seal (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-081620) is used as a sealing member for the end portion of the photosensitive drum opposite to its longitudinal direction (the sealing member for the photosensitive drum). Summary of the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a developing apparatus including an end portion seal in a new configuration.

[0006] means for solving problems

[0007] To address the problems described above, the present invention has the following structure.

[0008] (1) A toner carrier for use in an imaging device, comprising: a rotatable member rotatable and configured to carry toner; a frame for rotatably supporting the rotatable member; and a sealing member for sealing a gap between an end portion of the rotatable member in the longitudinal direction of the rotatable member and the frame, wherein the sealing member includes a surface layer portion that contacts the rotatable member, and wherein the surface layer portion comprises fiber yarn to which particles of a solid lubricant are fixed.

[0009] (2) An imaging device provided with a toner carrier device described in (1) mentioned above.

[0010] (3) A sealing member for sealing a gap between a rotatable member for carrying toner in an imaging device and a frame for rotatably supporting the rotatable member, the sealing member comprising: a surface layer containing fiber yarn to which particles of solid lubricant are fixed.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] According to the present invention, a developing apparatus including an end portion seal can be provided in a new configuration. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the imaging device of Example 1.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the processing box in Example 1.

[0015] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the processing box of Example 1.

[0016] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of a portion of the developing unit of Example 1.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a perspective assembly diagram of a portion of the developing unit of Example 1.

[0018] Figure 6 This is an enlarged assembly diagram of this part of the developing unit in Example 1.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the end portion seal of Embodiment 1.

[0020] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of a portion of the drum unit in Embodiment 1.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a perspective assembly view of this part of the drum unit in Embodiment 1.

[0022] Figure 10 This is an enlarged assembly diagram of this part of the drum unit in Embodiment 1.

[0023] Figure 11 This is an enlarged view of the surface layer of the end portion seal of Example 1.

[0024] Figure 12 This includes a schematic enlarged view of each fiber yarn in the fiber yarn manufactured by the manufacturing method of Example 1.

[0025] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the lubricant application status of the end portion seal in a modified embodiment of Example 1. Detailed Implementation

[0026] In the following embodiments, embodiments of the invention will be described exemplarily. However, the constructions disclosed in the following embodiments (e.g., the function, material, shape, and relative arrangement of the constituent parts) illustrate examples of configurations relevant to the claims, and the claims are not intended to limit the claims to the constructions disclosed in these embodiments. Furthermore, the problems solved by the constructions disclosed in the following embodiments, or the actions and effects obtained from said constructions, are not intended to limit the claims.

[0027] Furthermore, electrophotographic imaging equipment (imaging equipment) forms images on sheet-like recording media (such as paper) by using electrophotographic imaging processing. Examples of imaging equipment include copiers, fax machines, printers (laser beam printers, LED printers, etc.), and multifunction machines (multifunction printers). The cartridge is a unit that can be detachably mounted to the imaging equipment described above, and is a unit that includes a photosensitive element and processing components (e.g., charging components, developing components, cleaning components, etc.) that can act on the photosensitive element.

[0028] [Example 1]

[0029] In the following content, we will use Figures 1 to 13 Example 1 will be described below. In the following examples, an imaging device to which four boxes (hereinafter referred to as processing boxes) can be detachably installed will be used. Incidentally, the number of processing boxes to be installed in the imaging device is not limited to this, but can be appropriately set as needed. Furthermore, in the examples described below, a laser beam printer will be used as an example of an imaging device.

[0030] [Schematic diagram of imaging equipment]

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the imaging device 500 of Embodiment 1. Furthermore, Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the processing box P in Example 1. Furthermore, Figure 3This is a perspective assembly view of the processing box P of Embodiment 1, viewed from the drive side of one end side, which is the photosensitive drum (rotatable component) 4 in the axial direction (also the longitudinal direction).

[0032] Imaging device 500 is a four-color (based on four-color) full-color laser printer and performs color imaging on recording medium S. Imaging device 500 is a cartridge-type imaging device, and the cartridge P is made removable from the main body 502 of imaging device 500. The cartridge P is mounted to the main body 502, and a color image is formed on the recording medium S.

[0033] Here, regarding the imaging device 500, the side providing the front door 111 is referred to as the front surface (front), and the surface on the side opposite to the front surface is referred to as the rear surface (back). Their directions are respectively referred to as the X2 direction and the X1 direction (see...). Figure 1 Furthermore, when viewing the imaging device 500 from the front surface, the right side is referred to as the driving side, and the left side as the non-driving side. Their directions are respectively referred to as the Y1 direction and the Y2 direction. The longitudinal direction refers to the Y1 direction and the Y2 direction. When viewing the imaging device 500 from the front, the upper side is referred to as the upper surface, and the lower side as the lower surface. Their directions are respectively referred to as the Z1 direction and the Z2 direction. Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device 500 when viewed from the non-driving side.

[0034] In the main body 502, the four processing cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) – the first processing cartridge PY, the second processing cartridge PM, the third processing cartridge PC, and the fourth processing cartridge PK – are arranged in a substantially horizontal direction. Each of the first to fourth processing cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) has a similar electrophotographic processing mechanism, and their developer (toner) colors differ from each other. Rotational driving force is transmitted from the drive output section (not shown) of the main body 502 to the first to fourth processing cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK). Furthermore, various voltages (charging voltage, developing voltage, etc.) are supplied (not shown) from the main body 502 to the first to fourth processing cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK).

[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, the frame of each of the first to fourth processing boxes P (PY, PM, PC, PK) in Embodiment 1 rotatably supports the photosensitive drum 4. Each processing box P includes a drum unit 8, which is provided with a charging roller 5 as a charging component and a cleaning scraper 7 as a cleaning component, which serve as processing components that can act on the photosensitive drum 4. Furthermore, Figure 1Each of the first to fourth processing cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) shown includes a developing unit 9 equipped with a developing roller (rotatable member), which is a developing component for developing the electrostatic latent image (for toner images) on the photosensitive drum 4. The drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9 are connected to each other. A more specific construction of the processing cartridge P will be described later.

[0036] The first processing cartridge PY contains yellow (Y) toner in the developing container 25, which serves as the toner container, and forms a yellow toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4. The second processing cartridge PM contains magenta (M) toner in the developing container 25 and forms a magenta toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4. The third processing cartridge PC contains cyan (C) toner in the developing container 25 and forms a cyan toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4. The processing cartridge PK contains black (K) toner in the developing container 25 and forms a black toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4.

[0037] Above the first to fourth processing boxes P (PY, PM, PC, PK), a laser scanner unit 114, serving as an exposure component, is disposed. The laser scanner unit 114 outputs a laser beam U corresponding to the image information. The laser beam U then passes through the exposure window 10 of the processing box P, and the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 is scanned and exposed with the laser beam U.

[0038] Below the first to fourth processing boxes P (PY, PM, PC, PK), an intermediate transfer unit 112 is provided as a transfer component. The intermediate transfer unit 112 includes a drive roller 112e, a guide roller 112c, and a tension roller 112b, and the transfer belt 112a extends and stretches around these rollers. Each of the photosensitive drums 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K) of the first to fourth processing boxes P (PY, PM, PC, PK) contacts the upper surface of the transfer belt 112a at its lower surface. This contact portion constitutes the primary transfer portion. Inside the transfer belt 112a, a primary transfer roller 112d is positioned opposite the photosensitive drum 4. A secondary transfer roller 106a contacts the guide roller 112c via the transfer belt 112a. The contact portion between the transfer belt 112a and the secondary transfer roller 106a constitutes the secondary transfer portion.

[0039] Below the intermediate transfer belt unit 112, a feed unit 104 is provided. The feed unit 104 includes a paper feed tray 104a and a paper feed roller 104b, on which the recording medium S is stacked and housed. Figure 1A fixing device 107 and an ejection device 108 are provided on the upper side of the main body 502. The upper surface of the main body 502 is an ejection tray 113. On the recording medium S, the unfixed toner image is fixed by the fixing device 107, which is a fixing component, and the recording medium S is ejected onto the ejection tray 113.

[0040] [Imaging Operation]

[0041] The operation for forming a panchromatic image is as follows. The first to fourth photosensitive drums 4 of each of the processing boxes P (PY, PM, PC, PK) are driven to rotate at a predetermined speed. Figure 2 (In the direction of arrow A). The transfer belt 112a also travels at a speed corresponding to the speed of the photosensitive drum 4 in the forward direction relative to the rotation of the photosensitive drum 4 ( Figure 1 The arrow (in the direction of C) is driven to rotate.

[0042] The laser scanner unit 114 is also driven. Synchronously with the driving of the laser scanner unit 114, in each processing cartridge P, the charging roller 5 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 to a predetermined polarity and a predetermined potential. The laser scanner unit 114 scans and exposes the surface of each photosensitive drum 4 with a laser beam U according to the image signal for each (associated) color. Thus, an electrostatic latent image based on the image signal of the corresponding color is formed on the surface of each photosensitive drum 4. The formed electrostatic latent image is driven by a rotating mechanism at a predetermined speed. Figure 2 The developing rollers 6 (6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K) are used for developing (in the direction of arrow D).

[0043] Through the electrophotographic imaging operation described above, a yellow toner image corresponding to the yellow component of the panchromatic image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4 (4Y) of the first processing cartridge PY. The toner image is then transferred once onto the transfer belt 112a. Similarly, a magenta toner image corresponding to the magenta component of the panchromatic image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4 (4M) of the second processing cartridge PM. The toner image is then superimposed and transferred once onto the yellow toner image already transferred onto the transfer belt 112a. Similarly, a cyan toner image corresponding to the cyan component of the panchromatic image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4 (4C) of the third processing cartridge PC. The toner image is then superimposed and transferred once onto the yellow toner image and the magenta toner image already transferred onto the transfer belt 112a. Similarly, a black toner image corresponding to the black component of the panchromatic image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4 (4K) of the fourth processing cartridge PK. Then, the toner images are superimposed and transferred one at a time onto the yellow toner image, magenta toner image, and cyan toner image that have already been transferred onto the transfer belt 112a. Therefore, the panchromatic unfixed toner image consists of four colors: yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, and is formed on the transfer belt 112a.

[0044] On the other hand, the recording media S are separated and fed one after another at predetermined control timings. The recording media S are introduced into the secondary transfer section, which serves as the contact portion between the secondary transfer roller 106a and the transfer belt 112a, at predetermined control timings. Thus, during the transport of the recording media S to the secondary transfer section, the superimposed toner image of four colors on the transfer belt 112a is jointly transferred onto the surface of the recording media S. Afterwards, the toner image is fixed onto the surface of the recording media S by the fixing device 107, and the recording media S is discharged by the discharge device 108. Incidentally, the imaging device to which this invention is applied is not limited to... Figure 1 The structure can be either a conventional one, or it can be a structure, for example, equipped with a carrier belt for carrying the recording medium S, or a monochrome imaging device. In this case, the recording medium S corresponds to a transfer receiving member.

[0045] [Overall structure of the processing box]

[0046] In Example 1, the first to fourth processing boxes P (PY, PM, PC, PK) include similar electrophotographic processing mechanisms and differ from each other in terms of the color of the toner and the amount of toner filled.

[0047] Figure 2The processing cartridge P shown includes a photosensitive drum 4 and processing components that can operate on the photosensitive drum 4. Here, the processing components include a charging roller 5, which serves as a charging component, and a developing roller 6, which serves as a developing component. The charging roller charges the photosensitive drum 4, and the developing roller develops the latent image formed by depositing toner on the photosensitive drum 4. Furthermore, the processing components include a cleaning blade, which serves as a cleaning component and removes residual toner from the surface of the photosensitive drum 4. Additionally, the processing cartridge P is divided into a drum unit 8 and a developing unit 9. Incidentally, the unit or device may also be referred to as a toner carrier unit or a toner carrier device.

[0048] [Drum Unit Construction]

[0049] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the drum unit 8 comprises a photosensitive drum 4, a charging roller 5, a cleaning scraper 7, a cleaning container 15, a residual toner receiving portion 15a, a drive-side cover member 520, and a non-drive-side cover member 521. The photosensitive drum 4 is rotatably supported by the drive-side cover member 520 and the non-drive-side cover member 521 located at two (opposite) ends in the longitudinal direction of the processing cartridge P. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 As shown, a coupling member 43 for the photosensitive drum 4 is provided on one end side in the longitudinal direction, to which the driving force for rotating the photosensitive drum 4 is input. The coupling member 43 engages with a coupling element (not shown) that serves as the drive output portion of the main body 502, thereby transmitting the driving force of the drive motor (not shown) of the main body 502 to the photosensitive drum 4. The charging roller 5 is rotatably supported by the cleaning container 15 so as to be able to rotate into contact with the photosensitive drum 4. Furthermore, the cleaning blade 7 is supported by the cleaning container 15 so as to contact the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 4 with a predetermined pressure. The toner (also referred to as transfer residual toner) removed from the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 4 by the cleaning blade 7 is contained in the residual toner containing portion 15a in the cleaning container 15. Incidentally, the drum unit 8 is provided with a residual toner sealing structure so that the residual toner in the residual toner containing portion 15a does not leak to the outside. The details of the residual toner sealing structure of the drum unit 8 will be described later.

[0050] [Structure of the developing unit]

[0051] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the developing unit 9 comprises a developing roller 6, a developing blade 30, a developing container 25, etc. The developing container 25 includes a toner receiving portion 29 for containing toner supplied to the developing roller 6, and the developing blade 30 for controlling the layer thickness of the toner on the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 6. The developing blade 30 is formed by mounting an elastic member 30b to a support member 30a, the elastic member being a sheet of metal with a thickness of approximately 0.1 mm, and the support member being a metal material with an L-shaped cross-section. The developing blade 30 is mounted to the developing container 25 at its two portions on one end side and the other end side in the longitudinal direction by fixing screws 30c. The developing roller 6 is composed of a core metal 6c of metal material and a rubber portion 6d. The developing roller 6 is rotatably supported by drive-side bearings 526 and non-drive-side bearings 27 mounted to the two ends of the developing container 25 in the longitudinal direction.

[0052] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, a coupling member 74 for the developing roller 6 is provided on one end side of the developing unit 9 in the longitudinal direction. The driving force for rotating the developing roller 6 is input to this coupling member. The coupling member 74 engages with a coupling element (not shown) that serves as the drive output portion of the main body 502, so that the driving force of the drive motor (not shown) of the main body 502 is input to the developing unit 9. The driving force input to the developing unit 9 is transmitted through a drive transmission system (not shown) provided in the developing unit 9, so that the developing roller 6 can rotate along... Figure 2 Rotate in the direction of arrow D. At one end of the developing unit 9 along the longitudinal direction, a developing cover member 533 is provided to support and cover the coupling member 74 and the drive transmission system (not shown). Incidentally, toner sealing structures (160, 210, etc., described later) are provided to the developing unit 9 to prevent toner in the toner receiving portion 29 from leaking to the outside. Details of the toner sealing structure will be described later.

[0053] [Assembly of the drum unit and developing unit]

[0054] use Figure 3 The assembly of the drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9 will be described. The drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9 are held by a drive-side cover member 520 and a non-drive-side cover member 521 provided at both ends of the processing cartridge P in the longitudinal direction. The drive-side cover member 520 provided at one end of the processing cartridge P in the longitudinal direction is provided with a support hole 520a. In addition, the non-drive-side cover member 521 provided at the other end of the processing cartridge P in the longitudinal direction is provided with a cylindrical support portion 521a. Furthermore, the drive-side cover member 520 and the non-drive-side cover member 521 are respectively provided with support hole portions 520b and 521b for rotatably supporting the photosensitive drum 4.

[0055] Here, on one end side, the outer diameter portion of the cylindrical portion 533b of the developing cover member 533 engages in the support hole 520a of the drive-side cover member 520. On the other end side, the support portion 521a of the non-drive-side cover member 521 engages in the hole of the non-drive-side bearing 27. Furthermore, the two ends of the photosensitive drum 4 along the longitudinal direction are respectively engaged in the support hole portion 520b of the drive-side cover member 520 and the support hole portion 521b of the non-drive-side cover member 521. Then, the drive-side cover member 520 and the non-drive-side cover member 521 are fixed to the cleaning container 15 by screws (not shown) or by adhesive or similar means.

[0056] Therefore, the drive-side cover member 520 and the non-drive-side cover member 521 are integrated with the cleaning container 15 and constitute the photosensitive drum unit 8. In addition, the developing unit 9 is supported oscillably (movably) relative to the drum unit 8 (photosensitive drum 4) by the drive-side cover member 520 and the non-drive-side cover member 521, and is thus integratedly assembled into the processing cartridge P.

[0057] [Toner sealing structure of the developing unit]

[0058] Next, we will use Figures 4 to 7 To describe the toner sealing structure of the developing unit 9. Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the developing unit 9 as seen from the drive side when the developing blade 30, the lower seal 160 of the developing blade 30, and the developing side sheet member 210 are assembled into the developing container 25. Figure 5 This is an assembly perspective view of the developing unit 9 as seen from the drive side, after the developing blade 30, the lower seal 160 of the developing blade 30, and the developing side sheet member 210 have been assembled into the developing container 25. Figure 6 This is an enlarged assembly view of a portion of the developing unit 9 on the drive side, as viewed from the front surface (side), after the developing scraper 30, the lower seal 160 of the developing scraper 30, and the developing side sheet member 210 have been assembled into the developing container 25. Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the 400g seal portion of the drive end portion on the developing side.

[0059] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, an end portion seal 400, serving as a toner sealing structure for sealing toner within the developing container 25, a lower seal 160 of the developing blade 30, and a developing-side sheet member 210 are disposed on the developing container 25. The end portion seal 400 on the developing side includes a driven end portion seal 400g and a non-driven end portion seal 400ng. The end portion seal 400 seals the gap between the developing roller 6 and the developing container 25 in the longitudinal end portion of the developing roller 6.

[0060] An end portion seal 400 on the developing side is disposed in the developing container 25 such that the end portion seal 400 is bent to make airtight contact with the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 6. Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the drive end portion seal 400g on the developing side. The drive end portion seal 400g on the developing side is composed of a fiber surface layer 401, an intermediate adhesive layer 406, an intermediate layer 407, and a container adhesive layer 408. During the driving of the developing roller 6, the fiber surface layer 401 of the end portion seal 400 on the developing side (at which the end portion seal 400 contacts the developing roller 6) becomes a state where the fiber surface layer 401 is rubbed by the developing roller 6. Furthermore, the container adhesive layer is present on the developing container 25 side of the end portion seal 400 on the developing side and is adhesively fixed to the developing container 25. Details of the end portion seal 400 on the developing side will be described later.

[0061] In addition, such as Figures 4 to 6 As shown, a flexible developing side sheet member 210 is provided on the friction surface side between the developing side end seal 400 and the developing roller 6, upstream of the developing roller 6 in the rotation direction (DK direction). On the other hand, an elastic member 30b of the developing scraper 30 is provided on the downstream side of the developing roller 6 in the rotation direction (DK direction).

[0062] The developing blade 30 is composed of a support member 30a and an elastic member 30b. The elastic member 30b comprises a stainless steel plate or a phosphor bronze sheet approximately 0.1 mm thick. The support member 30a comprises a steel plate 1 mm to 2 mm thick. The support member 30a and the elastic member 30b are positioned by a positioning mechanism (not shown) and joined by laser spot welding or a similar method. Furthermore, a first cut-off portion 131 for positioning to the developing container 25 is disposed on the support member 30a and engages with the positioning portion 225 of the developing container 25, such that the first cut-off portion 131 defines the position of the processing cartridge P relative to the longitudinal direction. Additionally, the support member 30a is secured by screws 118 (118R, 118L) in a state where the support member 30a abuts against the blade mounting surface 121b (121bR, 121bL) of the developing container 25. Incidentally, in the width direction of the elastic member 30b, the side opposite to the side of the elastic member 30b that is attached to the support member 30a becomes a free end, and a portion of this free end contacts the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 6, so that the amount of toner held by the developing roller 6 is controlled.

[0063] Here, a configuration is adopted in which the developing-side sheet member 210 is held by the developing-side end portion seal 400 and the developing roller 6. Thus, there are ranges where the developing-side sheet member 210 and the developing-side end portion seal 400 contact each other, ranges where the developing-side end portion seal 400 and the developing roller 6 contact each other, and ranges where the developing roller 6 and the developing-side sheet member 210 contact each other.

[0064] Furthermore, the elastic member 30b of the developing blade 30 is held by the developing side end portion seal 400 and the developing roller 6, such that the elastic member 30b is in contact with the developing side end portion seal 400, the developing side end portion seal 400 is in contact with the developing roller 6, and the developing roller 6 is in contact with the elastic member 30b. As a result, the gap at the end portion of the developing container 25 in the longitudinal direction is closed, thereby performing a toner seal on the developing side end portion seal 400.

[0065] The lower seal 160 of the developing blade 30 includes a double-sided adhesive tape 160a and an elastic foam member 160b, and is attached to the developing container 25 via the double-sided adhesive tape 160a. The lower seal 160 is configured such that when the developing blade 30 is subsequently assembled to the developing container 25, the gap between the support member 30a and the developing container 25 is closed.

[0066] Here, as Figure 6 As shown, in this configuration, when the end portion seal 400, the developing blade 30, and the lower seal 160 of the developing blade 30 are installed into the developing container 25, hot-melt resin HM is injected into the minute gaps, thereby ensuring its adhesion. The non-driven side has a similar configuration, and therefore, the description will focus on the driven side. Figure 7 As shown, hot melt adhesive HM is injected into the cut portions 409 and 410 to achieve hot melt bonding of the developing side end portion seal 400g. Thus, when the developing side end portion seal 400g, the developing blade 30, and the lower seal 160 are installed to the developing container 25, the minute gaps can be airtightly sealed. Incidentally, the hot melt adhesive HM in Example 1 comprises a mixture of thermoplastic rubber, an adhesive resin, etc., and has the characteristic of causing the mixture to be liquefied by heating and hardened into an elastic solid by cooling.

[0067] The developing-side sheet member 210 is a flexible resin sheet approximately 0.1 mm thick, comprising resin (such as PPS), and is adhered and fixed to the developing container 25 by double-sided adhesive tape bonded to the developing frame 25a. The developing-side sheet member 210 is disposed on the downstream side of the developing blade 30 along the rotation direction of the developing roller 6, and covers the entire area along the longitudinal direction of the developing container 25. In the width direction, the side of the developing-side sheet member 210 facing the developing roller 6 becomes a free end, and is configured such that a portion of this free end contacts the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 6 throughout the entire area along the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 6. Furthermore, the longitudinal end portion of the developing-side sheet member 210 is configured such that at least a portion thereof contacts and overlaps the fiber surface layer 401 of the developing-side end portion seal 400 described above.

[0068] Here, as Figure 6 As shown, a configuration is provided such that when the developing-side end portion seal 400 and the developing-side sheet member 210 are mounted to the developing container 25, the adhesion of the hot-melt resin HM is ensured by injecting the hot-melt resin HM into the minute gaps. Furthermore, as... Figure 7 As shown, by injecting hot melt resin HM into the cut-off portion 411 of the developing-side drive end portion seal 400g, the minute gap between the end portion seal 400 and the sheet member 210 installed in the developing container 25 can be airtightly sealed.

[0069] As described above, after the end portion seal 400, the developing blade 30, the lower seal 160, and the hot melt resin HM are installed into the developing container 25, the developing roller 6 is assembled into the developing container 25, thus forming the developing unit 9. This seals the unit without causing toner from the toner holding portion 29 in the developing container 25 to leak to the outside of the developing unit 9.

[0070] [Toner sealing structure of the drum unit]

[0071] Figure 8 This is a state view before the cleaning side sheet component 310, the cleaning scraper 7, and the charging roller 5 are assembled into the cleaning container 15. Figure 9 This is an enlarged assembly diagram of a portion of the drum unit 8 with the photosensitive drum 4 removed from the drum unit 8. Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A magnified view of the driving side.

[0072] like Figure 2 and Figures 8 to 10As shown, the structure for sealing the residual toner in the residual toner receiving portion 15a of the cleaning container 15 is as follows. The cleaning container 15 includes a cleaning scraper 7, a cleaning-side end portion seal 300, a lower seal 260 of the cleaning scraper 7, and a cleaning-side sheet member 310. Incidentally, the cleaning-side end portion seal 300 specifically includes a driven end portion seal 300g and a non-driven end portion seal 300ng. The end portion seal 300 seals the gap between the photosensitive drum 4 and the residual toner receiving portion 15a in each of its end portions in the longitudinal direction relative to the photosensitive drum 4. Details of the cleaning-side end portion seal 300 will be described later.

[0073] Furthermore, a flexible sheet member 310 is provided on the friction surface side between the end seal 300 and the photosensitive drum 4, upstream of the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 4. On the other hand, an elastic member 7b of the cleaning scraper 7 is provided on the downstream side of the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 4.

[0074] Here, a configuration is provided in which the sheet member 310 that contacts the photosensitive drum 4 is sandwiched between the cleaning-side end portion seal 300 and a portion of the photosensitive drum 4. There are ranges in which the cleaning-side sheet member 310 and the cleaning-side end portion seal 300 contact each other, and ranges in which the photosensitive drum 4 and the cleaning-side sheet member 310 contact each other.

[0075] The cleaning scraper 7 consists of a support portion 7a fixed to the cleaning container 15 and an elastic member 7b for cleaning residual toner that was not completely transferred during frictional contact with the photosensitive drum 4. The support member 7a is an iron plate approximately 1 mm thick and is fixed to the cleaning container 15 using screws 318. The elastic member 7b is formed of rubber or the like, approximately 1 mm thick, and is in contact with the photosensitive drum 4.

[0076] In addition, the end portion seal 300 has an L-shaped design, such as... Figure 10 More specifically, in the end portion of the cleaning scraper 7 along the longitudinal direction of the elastic member 7b, a parallel end surface 300a and a vertical end surface 300b, serving as an L-shaped portion of the end portion seal 300, are provided to contact the L-shaped portion (corner) of the end portion of the elastic member 7b of the cleaning scraper 7. This closes the gap in the end portion of the cleaning container 15 along the longitudinal direction, thereby performing a toner seal on the end portion of the elastic member 7b of the cleaning scraper 7 along the longitudinal direction.

[0077] The lower seal 260 of the cleaning scraper 7 comprises an elastic foam component (such as polyurethane foam) and is adhered to the cleaning container 15 by a double-sided adhesive tape 260a. A configuration is then provided in which, when the cleaning scraper 7 is installed onto the cleaning container 15, the longitudinal gap between the cleaning scraper 7 and the cleaning container 15 is closed. The material of the lower seal 260 may only need to be capable of closing the gap, and therefore, a configuration may also be provided in which the gap is closed by a hot-melt material, an elastomer material, a silicone adhesive coating, or the like.

[0078] The end portion seal 300 includes a layer provided with an elastic foam member (such as polyurethane foam) and is adhered to the cleaning container 15. It is then configured such that, when the cleaning scraper 7 is installed onto the cleaning container 151, the longitudinal gap between the cleaning scraper 130 and the cleaning container 121 is closed. The end portion seal 300 may only need to be able to close this gap, and may also have a configuration in which the gap is closed in a manner similar to that of the end portion seal 400 by a hot-melt material, elastomeric material, silicone adhesive coating, or the like.

[0079] The cleaning-side sheet member 310 is a flexible resin sheet approximately 0.1 mm thick comprising resin (such as PPS), and is adhered and secured to the cleaning container 15 by double-sided adhesive tape bonded to the cleaning container 121. The cleaning-side sheet member 310 is disposed on the upstream side of the cleaning scraper 7 along the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 4, and is disposed over the entire area of ​​the cleaning container 15 relative to the longitudinal direction. In the width direction, the side of the cleaning-side sheet member 310 facing the photosensitive drum 4 becomes a free end, and a portion of this free end is configured to contact the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 4 throughout the entire area along the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the end portion of the cleaning-side sheet member 310 along the longitudinal direction is configured such that at least a portion thereof contacts and overlaps with the fiber surface layer 401 of the end portion seal 300.

[0080] As described above, after the end portion seal 300, cleaning scraper 7, and lower seal 260 are installed into the cleaning container 15, the charging roller 5 and photosensitive drum 4 are assembled into the cleaning container 15, and furthermore, the side cover is installed into the cleaning container 15, thus forming the drum unit 8. This achieves a seal without causing residual toner from the residual toner containing portion 15a in the cleaning container 15 to leak to the outside of the drum unit 8.

[0081] [Detailed Construction of Toner Seal (End Section Seal)]

[0082] Figure 7This is a perspective view of the developing-side drive end portion seal 400g in the developing unit 9. The developing-side non-drive end portion seal 400ng also has a similar structure, and therefore, the drive end portion seal 400g will be described. Furthermore, the cleaning-side end portion seals 300 (drive end portion seal 300g and non-drive end portion seal 300ng) are different in shape but have a similar structure, and therefore, the drive end portion seal 400g will be described. The drive end portion seal 400g is composed of a fiber surface layer 401, an intermediate adhesive layer 406, an intermediate layer 407, and a container adhesive layer 408.

[0083] Figure 11 yes Figure 7 The diagram shows a DT1 cross-sectional view, and is an enlarged view of the fiber surface layer 401, which is the first layer. The fiber surface layer 401 is composed of a base fabric portion (substrate) 402 and a fiber portion 403. The base fabric portion (substrate) is constructed by weaving warp yarns 402a and weft yarns 402b substantially perpendicular to each other. The fiber portion is a fiber portion (surface layer) woven using a napped weave to protrude from the base fabric portion 402. When the fiber surface layer 401 contacts the developing roller 6 or the photosensitive drum 4, the fiber portion 403 is rubbed by the rotation of the developing roller 6 or the photosensitive drum 4. An example of contact with the developing roller 6 will be described below.

[0084] Here, the fiber portion 403 is a pile fabric composed of fiber yarns of various different types of materials, obtained by weaving such that when the surface layer is viewed from the side opposite to the developing roller 6, the different fiber yarns are arranged in a strip shape. Here, the pile fiber portion, including lubricant-containing fiber yarn 404 (where the lubricant is contained in the fiber yarn) and non-lubricant fiber yarn 405 (where the lubricant is not contained in the fiber yarn), is arranged in a strip shape at specific intervals. Incidentally, the lubricant-containing fiber yarn 404 may only need to be used as at least a portion of the fiber surface layer 401, and the interval of the strip shape and the ratio between the lubricant-containing fiber yarn 404 and the non-lubricant fiber yarn 405 need not be 1:1. Furthermore, the end portion seals 300 and 400 may only need to include at least one lubricant-containing fiber yarn, and may include multiple lubricant-containing fiber yarns.

[0085] The lubricant used in Example 1 is one type of lubricant designed to suppress temperature rise due to sliding friction and wear of the fiber surface layer 401 caused by sliding friction by reducing sliding friction. For example, for the fiber material of the lubricant-containing fiber yarn (first fiber yarn) 404, materials such as polyester, nylon, acrylic, rayon, or polyolefin are used. Incidentally, the material is not limited to these materials. For the fiber material of the lubricant-free fiber yarn (second fiber yarn) 405, materials similar to those of the lubricant-containing fiber yarn 404 are used, as well as fluorine-based materials such as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), PFA (perfluoroalkoxyalkane), or ETFE (ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer). Incidentally, the material is not limited to these materials.

[0086] Here, in order to use various fiber yarns, including fiber yarn 404 containing lubricant and fiber yarn 405 without lubricant, the fiber yarns are selectively used according to different functions and costs. Generally speaking, each fiber has various advantages and disadvantages. For example, in some cases, fiber yarns with high slippage and temperature rise suppression properties are fiber yarns that do not meet the required functions in terms of fiber strength, electrical properties, manufacturing cost, etc. To compensate for this, by using two or more fiber yarns, including fiber yarn 404 containing lubricant and fiber yarn 405 without lubricant, as in Example 1, the fiber yarns can be selected according to functions, costs, etc.

[0087] In Example 1, by using a lubricated fiber yarn 404 as at least a portion of the fiber surface layer 401, a less expensive fiber yarn can be used in the end portion seal compared to using only a non-lubricated fiber yarn 405, while simultaneously compensating for slippage and temperature rise suppression performance. For the non-lubricated fiber yarn 405, only the fiber material needs to be selectively chosen. Furthermore, the fiber yarn may also consist solely of the lubricated fiber yarn 404, without using the non-lubricated fiber yarn 405.

[0088] In addition, such as Figure 11 As shown, here, the fiber yarns are preheated to tilt at an angle θS2, causing the lubricated fiber yarn 404 and the unlubricated fiber yarn 405 to pre-tilt. Here, the untilted state of the fiber yarns is set to 0°, and the tilt is set from 10° to 90°. Therefore, even when the developing roller 6 rotates, the direction of the corresponding fibers can be controlled, making stable contact possible. Incidentally, it is not particularly necessary to tilt (collapse) the fiber yarns.

[0089] In addition, such as Figure 7As shown, the lubricated fiber yarn 404 and the non-lubricated fiber yarn 405 are arranged in a strip shape relative to the longitudinal direction of the end portion seal 400 (i.e., the rotation direction (DK direction) of the developing roller 6). Thus, the developing roller 6 alternately rubs the lubricated fiber yarn 404 and the non-lubricated fiber yarn 405 as it rotates. Regarding the strip arrangement, the strip shape depends on the diameter of the rotatable member, the length of the fiber portion 403, and whether the corresponding fibers are in contact and the contact ratio; therefore, the angle θS2 can be set only with consideration of toner sealing performance, manufacturing cost, etc.

[0090] In addition, such as Figure 7 As shown, the corresponding fiber yarns in fiber section 403 are configured with an inclination angle θS1 towards the interior of the developing container 25 relative to the rotation direction (DK) of the developing roller 6. This is to address the situation where, as the rotation time increases due to repeated imaging, the toner carried on the developing roller 6 partially enters the fiber surface layer 401. Furthermore, this also addresses the situation where toner scattered by the airflow of the fan installed in the imaging device deposits on the surface of the fiber surface layer 401. The fiber yarns are set at angle θS1 so that the toner can easily return to the interior of each container due to the rotational friction of the developing roller 6. Here, angle θS1 is set with a tolerance of 30° to 60° centered at an angle θS1 = 45° in the longitudinal direction towards the interior of each container. Incidentally, angle θS1 can also be set only based on the toner sealing properties, manufacturing costs, etc. Incidentally, if (angle θS1) = (rotation direction of the developing roller 6), this angle may not be necessary.

[0091] In addition, such as Figure 11As shown, the length of the fiber yarn used in the fiber portion 403 is set to a certain length, such that when the fiber surface layer 401 contacts the developing roller 6, the developing roller 6 and the base fabric portion 402 do not contact each other. Here, the properties of the fiber portion 403 and the base fabric portion 402 are selectively and appropriately used, and thus, the developing roller 6 is prevented from contacting the base fabric portion 402. When the raised fiber portion 403 contacts the developing roller 6, the fiber portion 403 contacts the developing roller 6, causing the fiber portion 403 to lie flat and fold onto the developing roller 6, and thus, the developing roller 6 and the base fabric portion 402 do not contact each other. The base fabric portion 402 needs to have a fiber diameter for weaving the fiber yarn at a certain density so that the toner does not easily enter the vicinity of the base portion of the fiber portion 403. In addition, the base fabric portion 402 also needs to have durability, flexibility, heat resistance, etc., so that the fiber portion 403 will not fall off due to the sliding resistance between the fiber portion 403 and the developing roller 6. The base fabric portion 402 does not contact the developing roller 6, and therefore, to reduce costs, inexpensive fiber yarns, for example, that do not have slip properties, can be used. Incidentally, the fibers used in the fiber surface layer 401 can also be used.

[0092] To prevent the fiber portion 403 from detaching from the base fabric portion 402, the following procedure is performed. Here, the base portion of the fiber portion 403 and the base fabric portion 402 are fixed by a certain method, such as impregnation, coating (application), hot melting, or similar treatment of hot melt adhesive, curable coating agent made of synthetic resin, thermoplastic resin sheet, or thermoplastic fiber. Incidentally, the fixing method is not limited to this method.

[0093] Therefore, the fiber yarn is configured to be used appropriately between the fiber portion 403 that contacts the developing roller 6 and the base fabric portion 402 that does not contact the developing roller 6, thereby reducing the cost of the fiber used in the base fabric portion 402 and thus enabling a low-cost end portion seal 400. For the purpose of improving toner sealing performance, the surface layer structure can be provided by changing the density and weaving method of the fiber portion 403. These are appropriately changed according to the target service life of the processing cartridge P.

[0094] The fiber surface layer 401 of the end portion seal 400 uses a pile fabric composed of fiber portions 403 in a raised fiber yarn state. This takes into account adhesion to the developing roller 6, the structure of the fiber yarn inclined towards the interior of the developing container 25, toner collection properties, heat dissipation properties, etc. However, the fiber surface layer 401 may only use fiber yarn, and for example, in addition to pile fabric, it may have: a structure where the seal is performed only by the warp and weft yarns of the base fabric portion 402, a structure composed of a woven fabric used for weaving the fiber yarn, a structure where the fiber yarns are intertwined as in nonwoven fabric, and a structure where the fiber yarns are crimped. In this case, providing a lubricant-containing fiber yarn 404 to at least a portion of the fiber surface layer 401 allows the lubricant-containing effect described above to be obtained. A structure in which the lubricant-containing fiber yarn 404 is contained within the base fabric portion 402 itself can also be provided. This is also applicable to any of the pile fabric, woven fabric, and nonwoven fabric cases. Incidentally, in this case, the fiber portion (surface layer) 403 can also be formed by raising the fibers from the base fabric portion 402 through a surface protrusion treatment. Incidentally, electrostatic flocking (treatment) can also be used, in which an adhesive is applied to the base fabric portion 402 by a spray gun or similar, and the lubricated fiber yarn is flocked onto the substrate by electrostatic force when a high voltage of 30,000V to 80,000V is applied.

[0095] The intermediate layer 407, serving as the second layer, is an elastic layer comprising elastic members for contacting the fiber surface layer 401 with the developing roller 6 under a predetermined pressure. For example, polyurethane foam is used. Furthermore, the intermediate layer 407 has a thickness such that the gap between the developing frame 25a and the developing roller 6 can be adequately closed even when the gap fluctuates due to dimensional or installation tolerances of each component. Here, a foam member made of a synthetic resin obtained by adding carbon black to the polyurethane foam is used. For example, polystyrene, polypropylene, or rubber materials (such as elastomers or natural rubber) can also be used. Incidentally, in the case of electrostatic flocking, lubricant-containing fiber yarn 404 can also be directly implanted into the intermediate layer 407 (substrate).

[0096] The intermediate adhesive layer 406, serving as the third layer, is an adhesive layer through which the base fabric portion 402 and the intermediate layer 407 are bonded together. The intermediate adhesive layer 406 only needs to be able to fix the base fabric portion 402 and the intermediate layer 407 without affecting the sealing performance of the base fabric portion 402 and the repulsive force performance of the intermediate layer 407. Here, fixation is performed using double-sided tape, hot melt adhesive, a curable coating made of synthetic resin, thermoplastic resin sheets, thermoplastic fibers, etc. Incidentally, the fixation method is not limited to these.

[0097] The container adhesive layer 408, serving as the fourth layer, is an adhesive layer used to secure the end portion seal 400 to the developing container 25, which is the object of assembly. Incidentally, in the case of the end portion seal 300, the container adhesive layer 408 serves as a layer for securing the end portion seal 300 to the residual toner containing portion 15a. Here, the container adhesive layer 408 may only need to be secured to the developing container 25 without affecting the repulsive force performance of the intermediate layer 407, and may be secured using double-sided tape or hot melt adhesive. Incidentally, the securing method is not limited to this.

[0098] [Detailed structure of lubricants and lubricant-containing fiber yarns]

[0099] As described above, in some cases, during image formation, toner may deposit on the end seal due to the rotation of the developing roller 6 and the photosensitive drum 4, the airflow of the main fan, etc. Therefore, various properties of the end seal need improvement due to the various effects on toner sealing performance. For example, further improvements are needed in toner wiping performance, toner collection performance towards the interior of the fiber portion, sliding performance to improve toner flowability so that the toner returns along the direction inside the container, temperature rise suppression performance to prevent toner melting due to frictional heat, and heat dissipation performance.

[0100] In Example 1, the inclusion of lubricant in the fiber yarn of the end portion seals 300 and 400 aims to improve the sliding performance and temperature rise suppression performance related to the sealing performance of the toner.

[0101] Furthermore, one method for improving the sliding performance, temperature rise suppression performance, and heat dissipation performance of the sealing surface of the end portion seal involves applying particulate material to the sealing surface, but the particulate material is not directly fixed to the fiber. Therefore, there is a risk that the particulate material may gradually detach from or scatter from the sealing surface due to increased processing speed and extended service life. Therefore, by using fibers containing lubricant, the lubricant is fixed to the fiber, and thus, the functionality of the sealing surface is more easily maintained compared to the particulate material application method. Incidentally, the application of particulate material to the sealing surface can also be used in conjunction with the method described above.

[0102] As lubricants used in this invention, there are liquid lubricants and solid lubricants. Examples of liquid lubricants include hydrocarbon-based liquids and silicon-based liquids. Examples of solid lubricants include molybdenum sulfide, tungsten disulfide, graphite, fluorinated graphite, hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), organofluorine compounds (PTFE, PVDF, etc.), melamine cyanurate, and dimethyl silicone oil.

[0103] Solid lubricants are preferred as lubricants in the fiber yarns of the end seals 300 and 400 included in this invention. Toners used in electrophotography are fine particles, and furthermore, they consist of resin components with relatively low molecular weights, posing a risk that toner particles may agglomerate and cause defects when using liquid lubricants. Additionally, there is a risk that some liquid lubricants may attack the toner and cause phenomena such as toner clogging. On the other hand, the solid lubricant particles used in this invention reduce the occurrence of toner agglomeration and clogging phenomena listed above. Therefore, solid lubricants are preferred.

[0104] Among these, in this invention, hexagonal boron nitride (boron nitride) is particularly preferred as a solid lubricant. Hexagonal boron nitride is insulating and, in the case of electrophotography, reduces the occurrence of phenomena as described above. Furthermore, hexagonal boron nitride is also highly thermally conductive, making the heat dissipation effect (heat dissipation performance) expected when used in sliding parts (such as end portion seals 300 and 400).

[0105] Furthermore, regarding the average primary particle size, the particle size of the solid lubricant is preferably 50 μm or less, more preferably 30 μm or less, and even more preferably 10 μm or less. The diameter of the filaments (fibers) of the fiber yarn used as the surface layer of the end portion seals 300 and 400 is, in many instances, 50 μm or less. In the case of using split fibers or the like, the diameter is, in many instances, 10 μm or less. Therefore, the particle size of the solid lubricant can preferably be equal to or less than the diameter of the fiber yarn. When the particle size of the solid lubricant is greater than the diameter of the fiber yarn, there is a risk that the large particle size of the solid lubricant leads to a reduction in fiber strength. Furthermore, even when the solid lubricant particles separate from the fiber yarn, when the particle size is small, solid lubricant particles may remain between the fiber yarns of the surface layer of the end portion seals 300 and 400, making a small particle size preferred to maintain the effects of the invention. In Example 1, boron nitride was used as an example of the solid lubricant particle material. The number average diameter of the boron nitride was made to be 0.1 μm or greater and 20 μm or less.

[0106] [Manufacturing method of fiber yarn containing lubricant]

[0107] As a method for pre-incorporating and fixing solid lubricant particles into fiber yarn, there is a method in which resin particles are pre-mixed with solid lubricant particles and then melt-blended and spun. Furthermore, there is a method in which resin containing solid lubricant particles is pre-melted in the resin and then spun, and in this case, a method is also included for diluting a masterbatch containing a high concentration of solid lubricant particles for use. Additionally, there are methods or similar methods in which solid lubricant particles are added during the melt-blending of the resin and then spun. Furthermore, there is a method in which a mixture of resin and solid lubricant particles in a state of melt in an organic solvent is extruded in a yarn form at a high temperature and then spun into fiber yarn. Furthermore, as another method, there is a method in which solid lubricant is contacted with the spun fiber yarn by heating to a softened state and then cooled and fixed to the fiber yarn. Furthermore, there is a method in which the spun fiber yarn is contacted with solid lubricant particles while the spun fiber yarn is in contact with a solvent used to soften the spun fiber yarn, and is thus fixed. Additionally, as another method, there is a method in which the solid lubricant is fixed to the particles by contacting the fiber yarn with a liquid in which the solid lubricant particles are dispersed. In this case, from the perspective of the stability of the fixation from the solid lubricant to the fiber yarn, the liquid preferably has viscosity and adhesiveness.

[0108] ■ Example of manufacturing a fiber yarn (yarn) in which solid lubricant is incorporated.

[0109] Manufacturing Example

[0110] A mixture obtained by pre-mixing polyester resin particles (first resin particles) with boron nitride having an average particle size of 0.6 μm at a weight ratio of 100:5 is melt-blended in a melt-blending mill to prepare resin particles (second resin particles) containing boron nitride in the polyester resin. By using these resin particles for spinning, yarn with a diameter of approximately 15 μm is produced.

[0111] Manufacturing Example

[0112] A mixture obtained by pre-mixing polyester resin particles (first resin particles) with boron nitride having an average particle size of 7 μm at a weight ratio of 100:8 is melt-blended in a melt-blending mill to prepare resin particles (second resin particles) containing boron nitride in the polyester resin. By using these resin particles for spinning, yarn with a diameter of approximately 25 μm is produced.

[0113] Manufacturing Example

[0114] A mixture obtained by pre-mixing polyester resin particles (first resin particles) with melamine cyanurate having an average particle size of 2 μm at a weight ratio of 100:8 is melt-blended in a melt-blending mill to prepare resin particles (second resin particles) containing melamine cyanurate in polyester resin. By using these resin particles for spinning, yarn with a diameter of approximately 25 μm is produced.

[0115] Manufacturing Example

[0116] A mixture obtained by pre-mixing nylon resin particles (first resin particles) with boron nitride having an average particle size of 0.6 μm at a weight ratio of 100:5 is melt-blended in a melt-blending mill to prepare resin particles (second resin particles) containing boron nitride in the nylon resin. By using these resin particles for spinning, yarn with a diameter of approximately 15 μm is produced.

[0117] Manufacturing Example

[0118] A mixture obtained by pre-mixing polyester resin particles (first resin particles) and dimethyl silicone oil at a weight ratio of 100:3 is melt-blended in a melt-blending mill to prepare resin particles (second resin particles) containing dimethyl silicone oil in the polyester resin. By using these resin particles for spinning, yarn with a diameter of approximately 15 μm is produced.

[0119] ■ Example of manufacturing yarn containing solid lubricant using a solvent method

[0120] Manufacturing Example

[0121] A solution obtained by dissolving acrylic resin and boron nitride with an average particle size of about 0.6 μm in an acrylic acid ratio of 100:5 was formed into a yarn shape at a high temperature, and then the solvent was evaporated to prepare a yarn containing boron nitride in acrylic resin with a diameter of about 15 μm.

[0122] ■ An example of manufacturing yarn with a solid lubricant fixed on its surface.

[0123] Manufacturing Example

[0124] A yarn made of polyester resin with a diameter of about 15 μm is passed through an oven at 280°C, and while the surface of the yarn is in a softened state, the yarn is passed through the interior of a container containing boron nitride with an average particle size of 0.6 μm, thereby preparing a yarn with boron nitride fixed on its surface.

[0125] Manufacturing Example

[0126] A yarn made of polyester resin with a diameter of about 15 μm is passed through an oven at 280°C, and while the surface of the yarn is in a softened state, the yarn is passed through the interior of a container containing melamine cyanurate with an average particle size of 2 μm, thereby preparing a yarn with melamine cyanurate fixed on its surface.

[0127] Manufacturing Example

[0128] Yarn made of acrylic resin with a diameter of about 15 μm is passed through an oven at 250°C, and while the surface of the yarn is in a softened state, the yarn is passed through the interior of a container containing boron nitride with an average particle size of 0.6 μm, thereby preparing yarn with boron nitride fixed on its surface.

[0129] Manufacturing Example

[0130] A yarn made of nylon resin with a diameter of about 15 μm is passed through an oven at 250°C, and while the surface of the yarn is in a softened state, the yarn is passed through the interior of a container containing boron nitride with an average particle size of 0.6 μm, thereby preparing a yarn with boron nitride fixed on its surface.

[0131] ■ An example of manufacturing yarn with a solid lubricant fixed on its surface (using liquid).

[0132] Manufacturing Example

[0133] A yarn made of polyester resin with a diameter of approximately 15 μm is passed through a silicone oil liquid in which boron nitride with an average particle size of 0.6 μm is dispersed, thereby producing a yarn with boron nitride fixed on its surface. Incidentally, the type and particle size of the resin material of the fiber, the solid lubricant, and the manufacturing method are not limited to those described in the examples above.

[0134] <First yarn mixed with solid lubricant>

[0135] Figure 12 Part (a) is a view showing a fiber yarn manufactured using the manufacturing example described above, in which a fiber yarn (yarn) in which a solid lubricant is compounded. The same symbols are added to the same... Figure 11 The structure is similar to that in [the text]. When lubricated fiber yarn 404 is manufactured by mixing solid lubricants into it, as [the text continues with details about the structure]. Figure 12As shown by the solid circle DTA in part (a), an uneven shape appears on the surface of the lubricant-containing fiber yarn 404 due to the solid lubricant 404a. Here, a state is formed in which approximately 10% to 50% of the solid lubricant relative to the average particle volume of the solid lubricant is exposed on the fiber surface. The percentage of solid lubricant exposure can be measured by observation using an electron microscope such as SEM or TEM. When the measurement is performed, an image is captured, and the resulting image is analyzed, and a conversion is performed based on the magnification, making it possible to measure dimensions such as particle size. Based on the results of performing this measurement multiple times, the average particle volume of the exposed portion is calculated. Alternatively, instead of image capture, dimensions such as particle size can also be calculated based on the magnification during the measurement, using dimensions obtained by printing a photograph and then measuring the print with a ruler.

[0136] <First yarn containing solid lubricant via solvent method>

[0137] Figure 12 Part (b) is a view showing a fiber yarn manufactured by a solvent method using the manufacturing example described above from a fiber yarn (yarn) containing a solid lubricant. The same symbols are added to the same... Figure 11 The structure is similar to that in [the text]. When lubricated fiber yarn 404 is manufactured by mixing solid lubricants into it, as [the text continues with details about the structure]. Figure 12 As shown by the solid circle DTB in part (b), an uneven shape appears on the surface of the lubricant-containing fiber yarn 404 due to the solid lubricant 404b. Incidentally, as... Figure 12 As shown, the degree of protrusion is greater when using a solvent method compared to the mixing method. Here, a state is formed in which approximately 40% to 80% of the solid lubricant relative to the average particle volume of the solid lubricant is exposed on the fiber surface. This can also be measured similarly to fiber yarns in which solid lubricant has been mixed.

[0138] Incidentally, in the manufacturing examples of yarn with a solid lubricant fixed on its surface and yarn with boron nitride (using liquid) fixed on its surface, yarns were manufactured such as Figure 12 Part (b) shows the lubricated fiber yarn 404.

[0139] Therefore, when solid lubricants are incorporated into yarn through compounding or by solvent methods, approximately 10% to 80% of the solid lubricant relative to the average particle volume is exposed on the fiber surface. When solid lubricants are compounded into yarn, approximately 10% to 50% of the solid lubricant relative to the average particle volume is exposed on the fiber surface, and when solid lubricants are incorporated into yarn by solvent methods, approximately 40% to 80% of the solid lubricant relative to the average particle volume is exposed on the fiber surface.

[0140] [Application of solid lubricant to fiber yarn containing solid lubricant]

[0141] In Example 1, a fiber layer containing a solid lubricant was described for the purpose of improving the sliding performance and temperature rise suppression performance related to the toner sealing performance of the end portion seals 300 and 400, but further lubricant may also be applied. When the solid lubricant contained in the fiber yarn is a first solid lubricant, a second solid lubricant is further applied to the fiber surface layer. Figure 13 The lubricant is further applied to Figure 11 The schematic diagram on the end portion seal 400, and the same symbol is added to the same part. Figure 11 The construction is similar to that of the end seal 300. Incidentally, the same applies to the end seal 300.

[0142] As described above, the surface layer of the end seal 400 is used to friction-sensitive the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6. Therefore, there is a risk that the fibers of the surface layer gradually wear down, and the lubricant-containing fiber yarn 404 is worn away, potentially leading to a decrease in sliding performance and temperature rise suppression performance. Therefore, by further applying lubricant particles 600, even if the effect of the lubricant-containing fiber yarn 404 is reduced, the application of lubricant particles 600 can still extend the service life of the processing cartridge P.

[0143] Another configuration is considered in which lubricant particles 600 are applied to the surface layer of an end portion seal 400 consisting only of fiber yarn 405 without lubricant. However, there is a risk that the lubricant particles 600 may not be able to move with the toner to be transferred from inside each toner receiving portion or from the end portion seal 400 by the rotation of the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6. Therefore, it is desirable to further apply the lubricant particles 600 while using the fiber yarn 404 containing lubricant.

[0144] Here, boron nitride and zinc stearate, as solid lubricants as described above, and TOSPEARL, as silicone resin particles, are used as lubricant particles 600 applied to the lubricant-containing fiber yarn 404. As an application method, a liquid containing particulate material dispersed in isopropanol is applied to the surface of the end portion seal 400, and the isopropanol is evaporated, thereby applying the particulate material to the surface of the end portion seal 400. Incidentally, other solid lubricants, other liquid lubricants, or other particles may also be applied as the lubricant to be applied.

[0145] The solid lubricant to be applied is preferably a material of the same type and particle size as the solid lubricant contained in the lubricant-containing fiber yarn 404 described above. However, other materials and particle sizes may also be used. The application is performed during the assembly of the drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9, or alternatively, only the end portion seals to which the solid lubricant is applied may need to be prepared in advance.

[0146] To achieve accelerated imaging and extended lifespan, as a method to prevent surface wear of the end-part seals or developer ingress due to sliding friction between each of the end-part seals on the cleaning side and the developing side (collectively referred to as toner seals or end-part seals) and each component, there is a method in which particulate material is applied to the sealing surface. Applying particulate material alone carries the risk that, due to accelerated imaging and extended lifespan, the particulate material may gradually detach from or disperse from the sealing surface. In this case, there is a risk that toner sealing performance cannot be achieved by the end-part seals, leading to toner leakage. Furthermore, there is also a risk that toner trapped on the surface of the end-part seals may melt as the toner's melting point decreases, leading to toner leakage, but the construction described above improves cartridge durability.

[0147] As described above, according to Embodiment 1, the toner sealing performance in the end portion of the cartridge relative to the longitudinal direction is improved, and durability is enhanced by extension. According to Embodiment 1, a developing apparatus including an end portion seal can be provided in a new configuration.

[0148] [Industrial Applicability]

[0149] According to the present invention, a sealing member, a toner carrier device provided with the sealing member, and an imaging device are provided.

[0150] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the following claims are appended to disclose the scope of the invention.

[0151] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-166834, filed on September 28, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A toner carrier device for use in an imaging apparatus, comprising: A rotatable component, which is rotatable and configured to carry a toner; A frame for rotatably supporting the rotatable member; as well as A sealing member for sealing the gap between the end portion of the rotatable member in the longitudinal direction and the frame. The sealing member includes a surface layer portion that contacts the rotatable member, and The surface layer portion comprises fiber yarns to which particles of solid lubricant are fixed.

2. The toner carrier device according to claim 1, wherein the particles enter the interior of the fiber yarn such that a portion of the particles is exposed from the surface of the fiber yarn.

3. The toner carrier device according to claim 1, wherein the surface layer portion comprises a substrate, and a plurality of the fiber yarns are disposed on the substrate.

4. The toner carrier device according to claim 1, wherein the rotatable member is a photosensitive drum configured to carry a toner image, and The frame is a toner receiving portion for holding the toner collected from the photosensitive drum.

5. The toner carrier device according to claim 1, wherein the rotatable member is a developing roller for supplying toner to the photosensitive drum, and The frame includes a toner receiving portion for receiving toner to be carried by the developing roller.

6. The toner carrier device according to claim 1, wherein the solid lubricant is boron nitride.

7. The toner carrier device according to claim 6, wherein the number-average diameter of the boron nitride is 0.1 μm or more and 20 μm or less.

8. The toner carrier device according to claim 2, wherein a portion corresponding to more than 10% and less than 80% of the average volume of the particles is exposed from the surface of the fiber yarn.

9. The toner carrier device according to claim 2, wherein the fiber yarn is spun from second resin particles, the second resin particles being formed by melting and kneading a mixture in which first resin particles and the particles are mixed.

10. The toner carrier device according to claim 2, wherein the fiber yarn is a fiber yarn whose surface is fixed with the particles by passing a yarn comprising polyester resin through a silicone oil in which the particles are dispersed.

11. The toner carrier device according to claim 9, wherein a portion of the volume corresponding to more than 10% and less than 50% of the average volume of the particles is exposed from the surface of the fiber yarn.

12. The toner carrier device according to claim 10, wherein a portion of the volume corresponding to more than 40% and less than 80% of the average volume of the particles is exposed from the surface of the fiber yarn.

13. The toner carrier device according to claim 3, wherein when the solid lubricant is a first solid lubricant, A particulate material of a second solid lubricant, different from the first solid lubricant, is applied to the surface layer portion.

14. The toner carrier device according to claim 13, wherein the second solid lubricant comprises zinc stearate or silicone resin.

15. The toner carrier device according to claim 1, wherein when the surface layer portion is a first layer, The sealing member includes a first layer, a second layer having an elastic member, a third layer, and a fourth layer for being bonded to the second layer and the frame, the third layer being used to bond the first layer and the second layer to the third layer.

16. The toner carrier device according to claim 3, wherein the substrate is composed of the fiber yarn.

17. The toner carrier device according to claim 8, wherein the surface layer portion is composed of a woven fabric obtained by weaving the fiber yarn or a nonwoven fabric containing the fiber yarn.

18. The toner carrier device according to claim 8, wherein the surface layer portion is composed of a substrate on which the fiber yarn is flocked by electrostatic flocking.

19. The toner carrier device according to claim 1, wherein the material of the fiber yarn is any one of polyester, nylon, acrylic, rayon and polyolefin.

20. The toner carrier device according to claim 1, wherein when the fiber yarn is a first fiber yarn, The surface layer portion includes a second fiber yarn, and the particles are not fixed to the second fiber yarn.

21. The toner carrier device according to claim 20, wherein the material of the first fiber yarn is any one of polyester, nylon, acrylic, rayon, and polyolefin, and The material of the second fiber yarn is any one of polytetrafluoroethylene, perfluoroalkoxyalkane, and ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer.

22. An imaging device, comprising: The toner carrier device according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

23. A sealing member for sealing a gap between a rotatable member for carrying toner in an imaging device and a frame for rotatably supporting the rotatable member, the sealing member comprising: The surface layer comprises fiber yarn, to which particles of solid lubricant are fixed.

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